Pembroke Resources’ $1bn Olive Downs coal mine on track for June start

A massive new steelmaking mine could deliver billions to Qld’s economy over its estimated 80-year lifespan with the construction of a new bridge taking it one step closer to fruition.

A massive new $1bn coal mine in Central Queensland will begin operations in June following the construction of a crucial piece of infrastructure.

The new Sheldon Bridge over the Isaac River will link Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Complex, a steelmaking mine near Moranbah, to the public road network and push the site closer to its June start date.

Pembroke CEO Barry Tudor expects the greenfields open-cut mine to deliver its first shipment of coal in early 2024.

“The Olive Downs Complex is delivering new, incremental production of high quality steelmaking coal to supply-constrained world markets,” he said.

The $1bn construction phase has created about 500 jobs and the company says the mine will support 1000 jobs at full production.

The new Sheldon Bridge over the Isaac River will link Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Complex, a steelmaking mine near Moranbah, to the public road network. Picture: Contributed

“Construction is advancing to plan on multiple fronts including rail, electricity and at the coal handling and processing plant,” Mr Tudor said.

“Over 400,000 hours have been spent on construction so far with more than 300 people on site on a daily basis.”

The bridge, opened by Isaac Mayor Anne Baker alongside Mr Tudor, is a 120m long, dual lane, five-span reinforced concrete bridge.

Olive Downs will have an estimated lifespan of 80 years and will deliver metallurgical coal to Asian markets including Japan, India and South Korea.

The company calculates the mine will deliver more than $10bn to Queensland’s economy over its lifespan.

Originally published as Pembroke Resources’ $1bn Olive Downs coal mine on track for June start